Sign up with

Forgot your Password?

10 Greatest Plays of This Baseball Season

This entry was posted on August 26, 2013 by Phoenix Bats.

Every MLB baseball season is filled with memorable highlights, from home run-saving catches to incredible diving stops to diving into crowds to make a catch. The 2013 MLB season has been no different in that regard. Here are 10 of the greatest plays of the 2013 season thus far.

1. Anthony Rizzo Jumps Over Tarp to Make Spectacular Catch

On May 2, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo drifted into foul territory to catch a pop-up off the bat of San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley. Rizzo made the catch despite risking life and limb in dealing with the tarp against the stands on the first-base side of the field.

2. Brandon Phillips Makes Incredible Bare-Handed Double Play

Making a bare-handed play is common in baseball. But on May 10, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips turned a double play on his own not only bare-handed, but from his knees as well.

3. Aaron Hicks Makes Sick Throw from Center Field

On July 12, Minnesota Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks showed the baseball world that he has a cannon for an arm, nailing New York Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells at third base with an incredible throw from deep center field.

4. Carlos Gomez Makes Game-Ending, Wall-Jumping Diving Catch

There’s nothing like the feeling of making a great catch. But on July 8, Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez took that to a new level with a game-ending, wall-jumping catch to rob Joey Votto of a potential go-ahead home run.

5. Yasiel Puig’s Incredible Throw to Complete Game-Ending Double Play

Yasiel Puig made his MLB debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 3, and he couldn’t have asked for a better start. His catch in right field and subsequent throw back to first base to double off Chris Denorfia was one heck of a way to make his debut.

6. Manny Machado Makes Incredible Throw from Foul Territory

Manny Machado is a natural shortstop, but his play at third base on July 7 would have made Brooks Robinson proud.

7. Victor Martinez Makes No-Look Backhanded Flip

Victor Martinez primarily makes his living as a designated hitter, but on June 23, he donned the first baseman’s mitt and made a no-look, backhanded flip that was undoubtedly one of the top plays of the year.

8. Brandon Crawford Makes Awkward Bare-Handed Grab and Throw

San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford is well-regarded for his defense. However, on May 16, he let his instincts take over to make an incredible bare-handed grab.

9. Jason Heyward Makes Game-Ending Diving Catch in Center Field

On July 22, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward was called upon to play center field. Heyward, normally a right fielder, made a play that would make any great defensive center fielder envious.

10. Andrelton Simmons Runs All Out to Make Diving Grab

Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons has already developed a reputation as a fine defender. But on April 21, he added to his already-famous defensive resume with an outstanding over-the-shoulder catch in foul territory.